The Mini-FAKRA connector is a scaled-down version of the popular FAKRA connector, which due to its small size and light weight, is used in automobiles as well as personal electric vehicles (PEVs) and light electric vehicles (LeVs), which are particularly important in electric vehicle applications.

Mini FAKRA: The high-speed Mini-FAKRA (HFM) connector is 80% smaller than the FAKRA connector. (HFM is a registered trademark of Rosenberger). These miniature coaxial connectors are used in many automotive applications, including round-view cameras, GPS navigation, autonomous driving, driver assistance systems, high-bandwidth infotainment, and computing models. They come in straight or right-angle versions, which are rugged, lightweight, and small in size. They offer data rates of up to 28 Gb/s. The Type A mini-FAKRA connector supports data transfers up to 20 Gb/s.

The FAKRA connector, a mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades, is the version of the ultra-small Type B (SMB) coaxial RF connector developed by Rosenberger and standardized by the Council of German Automobile Manufacturers. FAKRA is an acronym for Fachkreis Automobile or Working Group Automobile. These multifunctional connectors are widely used in the global automotive industry, primarily for telematics, security and communications applications. An average connected car contains at least 15 FAKRA connectors.

The FAKRA standard defines the connectors' interfaces as well as their mechanical and electrical characteristics. The FAKRA connector consists of a plug and jack and is connected by a push-in mechanism embedded in a plastic housing. An audible lock confirmation lets the operator know that a connection has been established. Some variants include auxiliary locks. They are available in 14 different mechanical layouts. Color coding facilitates identification and prevents mismatches. FAKRA connectors operate at frequencies up to 6 GHz.

FAKRA connectors are used throughout the vehicle for applications such as telematics and GPS navigation, entertainment systems, Bluetooth, cellular, keyless entry, climate control, and radio antennas. They are also used in sensor systems for autonomous control. Other non-automotive applications include outdoor routers, industrial process control boxes, machine-to-machine modules, and iot devices.

There are several seed types of FAKRA connectors: the original FAKRA I connectors are now mainly used for antenna applications. FAKRA II is the second generation of FAKRA and is considered the current basic standard. They are available in a variety of angles and configurations, including IP6K9K sealed and weather-resistant versions for outdoor applications. Some manufacturers offer customized and miniaturized versions.

TE FAKRA connectors and connector systems

Mini-FAKRA Connector Design Description:

Standardized FAKRA standards are accepted by major automotive manufacturers and system suppliers worldwide for automotive communications and entertainment applications. FAKRA products comply with ISO 20860-1 and 2, DIN ISO 20860, SAE/USCAR 18 standards.

Configuration FAKRA includes a complete range of application-based configurations with a variety of entry Angle, color coding, mechanical keying and cable name options.

The durable, rugged plastic housing helps protect the FAKRA connectors from the harsh conditions the vehicle faces in operation, including debris, weather conditions, shock and vibration. They are designed to handle temperature ranges from −40°C to +105°C. A sealed version is available.

These connectors are designed to handle at least 100 insertions.

Performance FAKRA connectors are designed to perform operating frequencies up to 6 GHz and can continuously handle 335 volt RMS.

Assembly To meet the needs of automated assembly, FAKRA connectors are optimized for reel packaging. They are also suitable for selective, crest and reflow processing.

Market, industry, application

FAKRA connectors are used in telematics, security and communications applications in the automotive industry, as well as in non-automotive vehicles such as boats, motorcycles and off-highway heavy equipment. They are used for safety, driver assistance, V2V, and other in-vehicle networks.

Amphenol RF's FAKRA to AMC4 preconfigured components combine the FAKRA connector with the ultra-compact AMC4 connector on a flexible 1.13mm miniature coaxial cable for automotive and iot applications where space constraints are considered in the design

Upcoming developments

FAKRA connectors that comply with ISO 20860-1 and -2 (or USCAR-17 and -18) are physically larger than connectors called FAKRA-Mini, such as Rosenberger's HFM. The performance of traditional FAKRA connectors in RF testing is also unsatisfactory. To avoid confusion, USCAR refers to the new connector as a "mini-coaxial connector." The upcoming specification USCAR-49 will define industry-standard testing specifically for miniature coaxial connectors.

Aichie Technology specializes in manufacturing and customizing all kinds of Mini Fakra Cable, Fakra Cable and other Coaxial cable. Agent distribution brand connectors. For more information, please contact sales03@aichie.com. Aichie will keep you updated on the latest news.